Electro-Mechanical Instrument Co-op (Spring 2027)

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper invites an Electro-Mechanical Instrument Student Co-op or Intern in Cambridge, MA for a 6‑month period spanning January to June 2027. The role focuses on supporting the R&D of precision inertial guidance instruments, including electro‑mechanical design, thermal modeling, magnetics, and hardware testing.

You will work with CREO and SolidWorks, plus ANSYS or COMSOL, and potentially LabVIEW and MATLAB for various applications.

Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or applied physics student with minimum 3.0 GPA and hands‑on experience.
• Experience with CREO or SolidWorks preferred.
• Intuitive understanding of the physical universe is mandatory.
• Desirable: Design, precision mechanics, magnetics, thermal control, electro‑mechanical, fluids, circuit theory.

Responsibilities

• Support research and development of precision inertial guidance instruments.
• Contribute to instrument component design using CAD and FEA tools.
• Collaborate with Draper’s prototype shop to assess machinability and build hardware.
• Coordinate with Additive Manufacturing to produce 3D printed parts.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD/FEA

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Applied Physics (3.0 GPA)

Tools

CREO

SolidWorks

ANSYS

COMSOL

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

Electro-Mechanical Instrument Student Co-op or Intern at Draper will primarily support the research and development of precision inertial guidance instruments for existing customers. It is expected that interns will contribute to projects that include electro-mechanical design, thermal model development, magnetics design, materials testing, hardware assembly, test, and debug. Specific projects include but are not limited to: instrument component design using CAD and FEA tools, collaboration with Draper's prototype machine shop to determine machinability of components, working closely with Draper technicians to build and test hardware, coordinating with Draper's Center for Additive Manufacturing to produce 3D printed parts. Students will work with 3D modelling software packages such as CREO and SolidWorks and analysis software such as ANSYS or COMSOL, and possibly LabVIEW and MATLAB for various applications.

DURATION:

This position will run for 6 months, from January through June of 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Applied Physics (or similar) student with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and hands-on experience required. Experience with mechanical design using CREO or Solid Works preferred. Intuitive understanding of the physical universe is mandatory. Additional desirable experience: Design, precision mechanics, magnetics, thermal control, electro-mechanical, fluids, circuit theory, machine shop interaction, technical assembly, Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, MCAD.

* Due to the nature of the work at Draper, US Citizenship status is required. Draper is unable to sponsor or hire individuals holding H1B or Student Visas. Dual-citizens are unable to be accepted for this position.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

Salary:

$20.00 - $45.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].